A person who died whereas competing within the Targa Tasmania automobile rally this week has in the present day been recognized as Brisbane man Anthony Seymour.
Mr Seymour, who raced as Tony Seymour, was described as an skilled driver who had competed within the race for years and likewise competed in rallies via Cairns and Victoria.
The 59-year-old from Brisbane skidded off the highway and down an embankment at Mount Roland whereas racing via distant northern Tasmania on day two of the long-lasting occasion, April 27.
The automobile skidded 20 metres down the embankment and stopped when it hit a tree.
"Tony was a much-loved member of our TARGA household and we're simply crushed by what has occurred," TARGA Australia chief govt Mark Perry mentioned.
"We're all simply devastated by this tragedy and all of our ideas are with Tony's spouse, Sandra, and his prolonged household and mates."
Police confirmed the 59-year-old's spouse, who had been within the entrance passenger seat, was unhurt within the crash, which occurred round 3.30pm.
She was capable of exit the automobile and was taken to Launceston Common Hospital for examination.
Police Inspector Darren Hopkins mentioned a crane can be required to retrieve the automobile.
"It actually is disappointing for any sporting occasion for one thing like this to occur," he mentioned.
"And I am totally conscious and was current whereas the security briefing was given to all of the drivers by Targa officers.
It is the second 12 months in a row any person has died whereas competing within the race, after three fatalities final 12 months, bringing the occasion underneath elevated scrutiny.
Mr Perry mentioned after the demise of Mr Seymour the race would now proceed as a non-competitive occasion.
Drivers will proceed to drive on closed roads however shall be restricted to the signed pace restrict for the rest of the tour.
"The change to downgrade the occasion to touring solely was a tough one for all of us to make however one which was needed within the present circumstances as we work via this tough time," Mr Perry mentioned.
"A lot has been finished to make this sport safer since our occasion 12 months in the past however now we have nonetheless misplaced a member of the TARGA household, and all of us want time to additional mirror."
Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport Michael Smith mentioned the governing physique, which known as for better security measures after the triple fatality final 12 months, supported the choice.
"On behalf of everybody at Motorsport Australia, we provide our sympathies to these impacted by this tragedy," Mr Smith mentioned.
"We at the moment are working carefully with the Tasmanian Police and emergency companies, together with TARGA occasion organisers because the investigation into the incident begins."
A report shall be ready for a coroner.